EP2152322B1 - A method of presterilizing an aseptic tank and connecting conduits - Google Patents

A method of presterilizing an aseptic tank and connecting conduits Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP2152322B1
EP2152322B1 EP20080705258 EP08705258A EP2152322B1 EP 2152322 B1 EP2152322 B1 EP 2152322B1 EP 20080705258 EP20080705258 EP 20080705258 EP 08705258 A EP08705258 A EP 08705258A EP 2152322 B1 EP2152322 B1 EP 2152322B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
tank
water
conduits
aseptic
presterilization
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Active
Application number
EP20080705258
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP2152322A4 (en
EP2152322A1 (en
Inventor
Roland Ringström
Bo Olsson
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Tetra Laval Holdings and Finance SA
Original Assignee
Tetra Laval Holdings and Finance SA
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Tetra Laval Holdings and Finance SA filed Critical Tetra Laval Holdings and Finance SA
Priority to PL08705258T priority Critical patent/PL2152322T3/pl
Publication of EP2152322A1 publication Critical patent/EP2152322A1/en
Publication of EP2152322A4 publication Critical patent/EP2152322A4/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP2152322B1 publication Critical patent/EP2152322B1/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Images

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61L—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
    • A61L2/00—Methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising materials or objects other than foodstuffs or contact lenses; Accessories therefor
    • A61L2/02—Methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising materials or objects other than foodstuffs or contact lenses; Accessories therefor using physical phenomena
    • A61L2/04—Heat
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A23—FOODS OR FOODSTUFFS; TREATMENT THEREOF, NOT COVERED BY OTHER CLASSES
    • A23C—DAIRY PRODUCTS, e.g. MILK, BUTTER OR CHEESE; MILK OR CHEESE SUBSTITUTES; MAKING THEREOF
    • A23C7/00—Other dairy technology
    • A23C7/02—Chemical cleaning of dairy apparatus; Use of sterilisation methods therefor
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61L—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
    • A61L2/00—Methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising materials or objects other than foodstuffs or contact lenses; Accessories therefor
    • A61L2/02—Methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising materials or objects other than foodstuffs or contact lenses; Accessories therefor using physical phenomena
    • A61L2/04—Heat
    • A61L2/06—Hot gas
    • A61L2/07—Steam

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a method of presterilizing an aseptic tank and connecting conduits.
  • Aseptic tanks or sterile tanks are employed within the food industry for temporarily storing a sterile product before it is filled, under aseptic conditions, into some form of aseptic package.
  • the product may, for example, be milk which has been heated to high temperature during a given predetermined time interval, so that it becomes sterile, so-called UHT treatment (Ultra High Temperature treatment). If the sterile product is packed in aseptic packages, it can thereafter be stored at room temperature for a lengthy period of time.
  • UHT treatment Ultra High Temperature treatment
  • Aseptic tanks are needed as a buffer between the UHT plant and the filling machines which, for example, are to pack the sterile product into aseptic consumer packages.
  • sterile tanks By employing sterile tanks, excess treatment or processing of the product is avoided when the capacity of the UHT plant does not always correspond to the capacity of the filling machine or machines.
  • the aseptic tank can also be employed for temporary storage in operational disruptions.
  • the aseptic tank Before the aseptic tank is made operational for production, it must, after washing, be presterilized, see eg. GB 2052949 .
  • One object of the present invention is to realise a method which affords a reliable presterilization of tank and conduits.
  • a further object of the present invention is to reduce the consumption of steam and to minimise the emission of steam into the atmosphere, which contributes to an improved working environment.
  • Yet a further object of the present invention is to realise a method which reduces the time used for the presterilization.
  • Still a further object of the present invention is to reduce the consumption of energy and effects on the environment by optimising the consumption of water for carrying the method into effect.
  • a method of the type described by way of introduction has been given the characterising features that a given quantity of cold water is pumped into said tank and said conduits, that the water is caused to pass a heat exchanger, in which the water is heated to 120-150°C, whereafter the water is pumped under pressure through the tank and conduits during 10-20 minutes.
  • the flow diagram includes at least one aseptic tank 1 or sterile tank.
  • the aseptic tank has an inlet 2 for product, positioned preferably in the lower region of the tank 1.
  • the aseptic tank 1 further displays an outlet 3 positioned in the lowest region of the tank 1.
  • the aseptic tank normally also displays a sterile filter positioned in the upper region of the tank 1.
  • the sterile filter is illustrated as a connection 4.
  • the aseptic tank 1 is also provided with a nozzle 5 positioned centrally in the tank 1.
  • the plant for carrying the method into effect also includes a heat exchanger 6.
  • the heat exchanger 6 consists of a tube heat exchanger, but other types of heat exchangers, for example plate heat exchangers, may be used.
  • the aseptic tank 1 is intended to be used for the intermediate storage of ready-treated product before filling of the product into aseptic packaging containers.
  • the aseptic tank 1 is most generally necessary, since the capacity of the equipment treating the product not always corresponds with the filling capacity of the plant.
  • the aseptic tank 1 may also constitute a buffer in the event of operational disruptions.
  • the ready-treated product arrives from one or more heat treatment units (not shown) by the intermediary of valves 7 into the conduit 8.
  • the conduit 8 is connected to a valve 9.
  • a conduit 10 leads to the product inlet 2 of the aseptic tank 1. It is via this conduit that the ready-treated product enters into the tank 1.
  • a conduit 11 also leaves the valve 9 and, via a centrifugal pump 12, or corresponding pump, leads to the heat exchanger 6. From the heat exchanger 6, a conduit 13 leads further to the nozzle 5, positioned in the tank 1.
  • the conduits 11 and 13 are connected to the one flow side of the heat exchanger 6.
  • An inlet 21 for steam is connected to the other flow side of the heat exchanger 6, and the same inlet may also be utilised as an inlet 22 for cooling water. From the other flow side, there is an outlet 23 for condensed steam and heated cooling water, respectively.
  • conduit 14 which leads to one or more filling machines 15 for aseptic filling of the product in aseptic packages.
  • the packages may, for example, be aseptic consumer packages of single-use disposal type.
  • the conduit 14 may be connected directly to the filling machine 15.
  • the conduit 14 may, through the valve arrangement, be connected to the conduit 16 which, via a centrifugal pump 17, or corresponding pump, leads to a valve battery 18.
  • the valve battery 18 is also connected to the conduit 8.
  • the valve battery 18 has an inlet 19 which may be connected to a washing unit (not shown), where detergents and water may be taken in, as well as an outlet 20 for spent detergent and water which has been circulated through the plant. Cleaning of the plant may take place without this needing to be dismantled, so-called CIP (Cleaning In Place).
  • the aseptic tank 1 and the surrounding conduits 8, 10, 14 must be presterilized before the tank 1 can be used to store ready-treated, sterile product.
  • the method according to the present invention entails that cold water is pumped into the conduits 8, 10, 11, 13, 14, 16 and into the aseptic tank 1, so that the conduits 8, 10, 11, 13, 14, 16 are filled with water and the tank 1 only contains a slight amount of water.
  • the amount of water corresponds to approximately 1-10 % of the total volume of the tank 1, preferably 1-5 % of the total volume.
  • Cold water may suitably be pumped into the plant via the valve battery 18.
  • the water is pumped around in the conduits 8, 11, 14, 16 while being heated by means of steam in the heat exchanger 6.
  • the water is heated to 120-150°C, preferably to 130-150°C, in that the pressure is simultaneously built up, on the one hand across the tank 1, and on the other hand across the surrounding conduits 8, 10, 11, 14, 16.
  • the pressure in the system is approx. 0.3 MPa (3 bar) when the presterilization takes place.
  • Steam is fed to the heat exchanger 6 through the inlet 21. That steam which is used for heating may be recycled to the boiler in a closed circuit, which reduces the total energy resources required in the presterilization.
  • Hot water will be sprayed on the inside of the aseptic tank 1 by means of the nozzle 5.
  • the nozzle 5 has a high flow capacity and it rotates in all directions, so that it spreads the hot water to all parts of the tank 1.
  • the nozzle 5 may advantageously, during intermediate storage of product, be employed as piping for special products which may sediment or settle, such as flavoured milk and juices containing fibres.
  • the heated water is pumped around for approx. 10-20 minutes, preferably 10-15 minutes, which gives a reduced time for presterilization of tank 1 and conduits 8, 10, 11, 13, 14, 16.
  • the valve 9 is alternatingly switched so that the conduit 10 will also be sterilized.
  • the same water which was used for sterilization may be employed for cooling down the equipment.
  • the water which is circulated across the tank 1 and the conduits 8, 10, 11, 13, 14, 16 is cooled in the same manner as the hot water is circulated during the presterilization.
  • the water is thereafter run to discharge via the valve battery 18.
  • the total presterilization time comprising heating, presterilization and cooling has proved in trials to amount to approx. 50 minutes, which is a reduction by 20 minutes compared with the total time involved in presterilization using steam.
  • a closer approximation has been made to that time it takes to presterilize a filling machine, which today amounts to approx. 45 minutes.
  • the availability of the equipment has been increased and this makes for longer production time.
  • Presterilization with hot water contributes in improving the working environment in the premises where the plant is located, since no steam is released in the premises.
  • Previously employed methods, using steam sterilization, have entailed that large quantities of steam have been released into the atmosphere, i.e. in the production premises.
  • Presterilization using hot water also gives a more uniform temperature across the tank 1 and the connecting conduits 8, 10, 11, 13, 14, 16. There is less of a difference between the highest and the lowest temperature in the equipment. In the prior art presterilization using steam, it has been necessary to overcompensate in order that the lowest temperature will not be too low.
  • the plant for carrying the method according to the present invention into effect may also be employed when the intention is to carry out sterile intermediate washing in the event of product change.
  • Sterile water may then be taken from the heat treatment equipment (not shown) and this water is heated in the existing heat exchanger 6 and circulated across the aseptic tank 1 and connecting conduits 8, 10, 11, 13, 14, 16.
  • Sterile intermediate washing is not possible to carry out if the tank 1 is presterilized with steam.
  • the present invention realises a method for presterilizing an aseptic tank and connecting conduits, which is safe and reliable.
  • the method reduces the time for carrying out the presterilization and also contributes in achieving an improved working environment in the production premises.
  • the consumption of energy and effects on the environment are also reduced in that it is possible using this method to optimise the consumption of water.

Landscapes

  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
  • Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Epidemiology (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Food Science & Technology (AREA)
  • Polymers & Plastics (AREA)
  • Apparatus For Disinfection Or Sterilisation (AREA)
  • Food Preservation Except Freezing, Refrigeration, And Drying (AREA)
  • Pipeline Systems (AREA)
  • Lining Or Joining Of Plastics Or The Like (AREA)
EP20080705258 2007-02-12 2008-02-04 A method of presterilizing an aseptic tank and connecting conduits Active EP2152322B1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PL08705258T PL2152322T3 (pl) 2007-02-12 2008-02-04 Sposób sterylizacji wstępnej zbiornika aseptycznego i przewodów doprowadzających

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
SE0700323A SE531164C2 (sv) 2007-02-12 2007-02-12 Metod för att försterilisera en aseptisk tank och anslutande rörledningar
PCT/SE2008/000091 WO2008100196A1 (en) 2007-02-12 2008-02-04 A method of presterilizing an aseptic tank and connecting conduits

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP2152322A1 EP2152322A1 (en) 2010-02-17
EP2152322A4 EP2152322A4 (en) 2011-01-05
EP2152322B1 true EP2152322B1 (en) 2012-12-05

Family

ID=39690329

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP20080705258 Active EP2152322B1 (en) 2007-02-12 2008-02-04 A method of presterilizing an aseptic tank and connecting conduits

Country Status (11)

Country Link
US (1) US9138497B2 (sv)
EP (1) EP2152322B1 (sv)
CN (1) CN101605562B (sv)
AU (1) AU2008216931B2 (sv)
BR (1) BRPI0806925B8 (sv)
DK (1) DK2152322T3 (sv)
EA (1) EA014492B1 (sv)
MX (1) MX2009008530A (sv)
PL (1) PL2152322T3 (sv)
SE (1) SE531164C2 (sv)
WO (1) WO2008100196A1 (sv)

Families Citing this family (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR3016794B1 (fr) * 2014-01-24 2018-03-02 Pierre Fabre Dermo-Cosmetique Dispositif et procede pour le transfert d'un produit sterile entre deux conteneurs
CN107206114B (zh) * 2015-03-13 2020-11-06 利乐拉瓦尔集团及财务有限公司 减少用于处理液体或半液体食品的系统的耗水量的方法
EP3393964B1 (en) * 2015-12-21 2020-03-11 Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance S.A. Product loss reduction by using shortened purge for aseptic tank

Family Cites Families (11)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3643586A (en) * 1970-07-08 1972-02-22 Donald A Rosini Aseptic packaging of foods
US4156741A (en) * 1971-10-29 1979-05-29 Etablissements J. J. Carnaud & Forges De Basse-Indre Method of canning food products and canned product
GB1501802A (en) * 1975-01-24 1978-02-22 Belgique Papeteries Method of producing a pack containing a sterile liquid
GB2052949B (en) * 1979-06-18 1984-03-21 Linnich Papier & Kunststoff Method of and installation for pasteurizing and packaging milk
DD156214A1 (de) * 1981-01-14 1982-08-11 Werner Heinig Verfahren zur sterilisierung von ultrahocherhitzungsanlagen
FR2543410B1 (fr) * 1983-03-29 1988-06-24 Torterotot Roland Procede de reconstitution et de traitement thermique de produits alimentaires liquides, et appareillage permettant de mettre en oeuvre ce procede
JPH0715339B2 (ja) 1988-08-17 1995-02-22 松下電器産業株式会社 バイパス水路付給湯機
DE69121409T2 (de) * 1991-03-11 1996-12-12 Hisaka Works Ltd Sprühautoklav
US5759491A (en) * 1995-07-21 1998-06-02 Bunin; Kiva Process and apparatus for the decontamination of infectious waste
US20050106346A1 (en) * 2002-03-04 2005-05-19 Kazuyuki Yamane Method of heat-treating packaged product and heat-treated packaged product
CN1322900C (zh) * 2004-10-26 2007-06-27 陈显群 小型节能杀菌锅装置

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
AU2008216931A1 (en) 2008-08-21
EA014492B1 (ru) 2010-12-30
EP2152322A4 (en) 2011-01-05
MX2009008530A (es) 2009-08-26
CN101605562A (zh) 2009-12-16
BRPI0806925B1 (pt) 2024-01-30
CN101605562B (zh) 2012-12-05
SE531164C2 (sv) 2009-01-07
BRPI0806925B8 (pt) 2024-02-27
EP2152322A1 (en) 2010-02-17
EA200970763A1 (ru) 2009-12-30
BRPI0806925A2 (pt) 2014-04-29
AU2008216931B2 (en) 2013-03-21
DK2152322T3 (da) 2013-02-04
WO2008100196A1 (en) 2008-08-21
US9138497B2 (en) 2015-09-22
SE0700323L (sv) 2008-08-13
US20100111760A1 (en) 2010-05-06
PL2152322T3 (pl) 2013-03-29

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US9706793B2 (en) Sterilization treatment line and cleaning method thereof
EP2152322B1 (en) A method of presterilizing an aseptic tank and connecting conduits
CN108669404B (zh) 一种含颗粒液体饮料的配置杀菌设备及配置方法
CN110461759B (zh) 用填充产品填充容器的装置
US20150374864A1 (en) Sterilizing device and sterilization method having energy recovery
EP0792104B1 (en) A plant for continuously sterilising fluids, such as milk and cream
CN111683893B (zh) 杀菌处理线的净化方法及杀菌处理线
EP1875818A2 (en) System for creating a sterile barrier and lubricating and/or cooling moving parts in UHT sterilization plants
CN112919711A (zh) 用于生产和提供无菌水的装置以及操作该装置的方法
CN105384290A (zh) 对活塞泵或均质器中喷射活塞的水持续消毒的方法和装置
JP2004305001A (ja) リシール性容器詰飲料のレトルト殺菌方法及びその装置
CN110831888B (zh) 无菌填充系统
CN102050233B (zh) 一种无菌贮存的浓缩苹果清汁直接灌装无菌液袋的方法及专用设备
RU2179808C2 (ru) Способ тепловой обработки пищевых продуктов при производстве консервов из замороженного сырья и устройство для его осуществления
EP4151586A1 (en) Aseptic filler cleaning/sterilizing method, and aseptic filler
CN218810308U (zh) 一种啤酒外包装的预处理装置
CN214710075U (zh) 一种流体高温杀菌设备
CN212629755U (zh) 一种套管式杀菌装置
CN219307969U (zh) 无菌屏障冷凝水制备装置以及混合系统
EP3066933B1 (en) A method for the production of uht cream
CN115959341A (zh) 灌装系统及其控制方法、计算机可读存储介质
CN110072987A (zh) 加工液体食物
Burton et al. Connection of Aseptic Fillers to UHT Processing Plant

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20090914

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MT NL NO PL PT RO SE SI SK TR

AX Request for extension of the european patent

Extension state: AL BA MK RS

DAX Request for extension of the european patent (deleted)
A4 Supplementary search report drawn up and despatched

Effective date: 20101206

RIC1 Information provided on ipc code assigned before grant

Ipc: A23C 7/02 20060101ALI20101130BHEP

Ipc: A61L 2/04 20060101AFI20080903BHEP

Ipc: A61L 2/07 20060101ALI20101130BHEP

17Q First examination report despatched

Effective date: 20110919

RAP1 Party data changed (applicant data changed or rights of an application transferred)

Owner name: TETRA LAVAL HOLDINGS & FINANCE S.A.

GRAP Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1

GRAS Grant fee paid

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MT NL NO PL PT RO SE SI SK TR

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: FG4D

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: EP

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: AT

Ref legal event code: REF

Ref document number: 586909

Country of ref document: AT

Kind code of ref document: T

Effective date: 20121215

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: FG4D

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R096

Ref document number: 602008020584

Country of ref document: DE

Effective date: 20130131

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DK

Ref legal event code: T3

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: SE

Ref legal event code: TRGR

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: NL

Ref legal event code: T3

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: PL

Ref legal event code: T3

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: AT

Ref legal event code: MK05

Ref document number: 586909

Country of ref document: AT

Kind code of ref document: T

Effective date: 20121205

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: NO

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20130305

Ref country code: LT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20121205

Ref country code: ES

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20130316

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: LT

Ref legal event code: MG4D

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20121205

Ref country code: LV

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20121205

Ref country code: GR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20130306

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: AT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20121205

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: BE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20121205

Ref country code: BG

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20130305

Ref country code: CZ

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20121205

Ref country code: SK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20121205

Ref country code: EE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20121205

Ref country code: IS

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20130405

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: PT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20130405

Ref country code: RO

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20121205

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MC

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20130228

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: PL

PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: LI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20130228

Ref country code: CH

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20130228

26N No opposition filed

Effective date: 20130906

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: ST

Effective date: 20131031

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: CY

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20121205

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: MM4A

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R097

Ref document number: 602008020584

Country of ref document: DE

Effective date: 20130906

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: HR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20130731

Ref country code: FR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20130228

Ref country code: IE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20130204

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20121205

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: TR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20121205

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: HU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT; INVALID AB INITIO

Effective date: 20080204

Ref country code: LU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20130204

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: PL

Payment date: 20161219

Year of fee payment: 10

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FI

Payment date: 20170209

Year of fee payment: 10

Ref country code: SE

Payment date: 20170213

Year of fee payment: 10

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: NL

Payment date: 20170210

Year of fee payment: 10

Ref country code: GB

Payment date: 20170201

Year of fee payment: 10

Ref country code: DK

Payment date: 20170210

Year of fee payment: 10

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IT

Payment date: 20170221

Year of fee payment: 10

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DK

Ref legal event code: EBP

Effective date: 20180228

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: SE

Ref legal event code: EUG

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: NL

Ref legal event code: MM

Effective date: 20180301

GBPC Gb: european patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee

Effective date: 20180204

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20180205

Ref country code: FI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20180204

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: NL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20180301

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20180228

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20180204

Ref country code: GB

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20180204

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: PL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20180204

P01 Opt-out of the competence of the unified patent court (upc) registered

Effective date: 20230426

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20240228

Year of fee payment: 17